We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($466 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
check
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
With the current challenge in meeting the financial obligations in our household, I am looking forward to venturing into a maize-selling business as a new goal. buying maize in bulk from the maize-producing areas and moving them to sell in our village could be profitable since they are on-demand at the moment. I am currently working hard to raise enough capital that can help in starting it.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did a great job in our village as it is highly appreciated and praised for the great fairness that we experienced from the start to the end. Everyone was given a chance, listened to, and later enrolled in the program that we received equal amounts. I have no complaint at all since I believe everything happened as was promised by GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Livestock farming has been helpful to me in the payment of school fees for my kids and also in settling other household bills. I could not resist an urge to add another heifer to my herd with the hope of soon increasing milk production and even offspring that would otherwise generate income that can boost other running projects. I spent KES 23000 to purchase a heifer that was served through artificial insemination some weeks ago. I am excited that it is so far doing well since then. I also added KES 6000 to my husband's tailoring business which has been a backbone to our family livelihood. We had been getting our daily bread from this and even the school fees payment and even other major bills in the household have always been possible through the proceeds from the business. I spent part of the remaining amount on buying 2 sacks of maize for my family foodstuff at KES 7000, paid KES 5000 school fees for my son who has just joined grade 9, clothing for my five children worth KES 5000, and also new pieces of furniture that included a cupboard and some cushions for my sets of chairs at KES 9000. I am grateful that I have been able to do quite a lot within a very short time.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I became very happy and grateful to God and GiveDirectly the moment I received my transfers as I felt that my prayers had finally been answered. I knew that I would be able to achieve the goals that I had not been able to due to lack of money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before GiveDirectly came for enrollment, I had so many goals that I had not been able to achieve due to lack of funds. First, my aim was to build a more decent kitchen for my family. This is because the one we had was always leaking during the rainy season. My transfers enabled me to build a more spacious iron-roofed kitchen and due to this, I no longer have worry about being rained on while cooking. This has made my daily life different as I do not have to hurry preparing meals whenever I see that it is almost raining.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my transfer, I spent $300 to build a more decent kitchen for my family. The one we had was old and the roof was always leaking. Because of this, I usually had to prepare meals so early in order to avoid being rained on and we usually ended up taking cold meals. Also, I spent $50 to pay school fees for my son and $40 to buy some school books that were needed since he was joining high school. Using the remaining $ 150, I bought two sacks of maize and other household necessities.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My second born son is soon joining form one at a nearby secondary school. In the hope and belief that education will bring about change in my family, I want to ensure that my children's education are jot interrupted at any point due to unpaid school fees. Receiving this money therefore is a big boost for me because I will use the transfers to pay for his uniform and fees and this will cost meapproximately KSH 20000. The remaining amounts will cater for the fees of my other 4 children in primary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. This is because I am energetic in the morning given that I have had enough rest in the night. My day entails doing house chores in the morning and then I go and herd my 4 cows till late in the evening when I come back home to prepare supper for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of finances is my biggest worry at the moment. My son is about to join secondary school and I was worried that I may not raise all the fees that is needed. Being a housewife, I rely on my husband's tailoring business so that we can give our children basic needs. On average, my husband earns approximately Shs 400 daily. I have managed to join various saving groups where I contribute SHS 200 daily. This has so far enabled me to educate my children. I am very happy now that GiveDirectly has come to my village and I know that I am going to receive some financial assistance. Thank you GiveDirectly for coming at the right time.
